History

History at Flamstead End

Intent
At Flamstead End, we want History to spark curiosity and help children think critically about the past and its impact on today. Pupils develop a secure sense of chronology, understand different perspectives, and learn to question evidence. By the time they leave, every child sees themselves as a historian, ready to make sense of the wider world.

Implementation
We start with children exploring their own personal histories through stories, photographs, role play, timelines, and discussion. As they move through the school, pupils build knowledge of key events, people, and periods, alongside concepts like change, continuity, and cause and consequence. Our spiral curriculum revisits these ideas regularly, helping children make connections across time. They also learn to think like historians — questioning sources, weighing evidence, and forming their own interpretations.

History at Flamstead End is experienced, not just learnt. Pupils visit historical sites, take part in expert-led workshops, handle real artefacts, and live history by taking on roles and debating decisions. We run ‘Who am I?’ historical mysteries, and celebrate events such as VE Day and Black History Month, helping pupils understand and appreciate diverse stories from the past. These experiences deepen understanding, broaden cultural knowledge, and help pupils remember what they’ve learnt.

Impact
Through these lessons and experiences, pupils build their own historical narratives. They confidently talk about the past, make links between different periods, and relate history to their own lives. They also learn that history is not always straightforward — some stories are biased or open to interpretation, which helps them think critically about evidence.

History Curriculum

History Skills Progression Map

Websites to Explore History at Home

To help children develop their history skills at home, we recommend a few engaging websites:

• BBC Bitesize – History – Packed with clear, curriculum-aligned content for Key Stages 1 and 2, covering everything from the Romans and Egyptians to World War II.

• National Geographic Kids – History – Fun facts, games, and quizzes that bring famous historical figures and events to life.

• ActiveHistory – Interactive activities and quizzes that help children think like historians.

• Imagining History – Videos, craft ideas, and activities that make different periods of history exciting and memorable.

• Natural History Museum – Family Activities – Hands-on activities and resources for exploring natural and social history topics.

Places to Visit Locally

There are lots of local places where history comes alive. Here are some favourites within Hertfordshire:

• Lowewood Museum, Hoddesdon – A Georgian building with collections covering archaeology, social history, art, and more, including First World War diaries and Victorian landscape designs.

• Hertford Museum – Explore Hertford’s past through artefacts, photographs, and exhibits on social history and local industry.

• Mill Green Museum, Hatfield – A working watermill with craft workshops, baking activities, and learning about local milling history.

• North Hertfordshire Museum, Hitchin – Free entry museum showing local history, culture, and art, with exhibitions suitable for families and school groups.

• Watford Museum – Discover local heritage, the Cassiobury Estate, and the history of Watford Football Club in a Georgian mansion.

• St Albans Hypocaust Museum – See a Roman heating system and learn about life in ancient Verulamium.

• Cheshunt Churchgate History Trail – A walking trail through historic Cheshunt, highlighting important buildings and sites.